The Basque-based brand, Tiresoul, is committed to sustainability in the footwear industry and that is why the brand is giving a second life to the rubber from used tires for the manufacture of its shoe soles.
Many of the materials that are part of our daily lives take hundreds of years to decompose, which is why there are companies that choose to give them a second life. With the aim of using rubber from end-of-life tires (ELTs) – which takes up to 1,000 years to naturally recycle – and implementing it in a circular economy plan, the Tiresoul brand was born, introducing this waste into the fashion industry through the production of shoe soles. Thus, «it seeks to give a new purpose to ELTs, thereby contributing to reducing the environmental footprint and promoting sustainability within the footwear industry,» explains Tiresoul’s director, Iván Izquierdo López.
From the outset, it collaborated with the León-based recycling company RMD (Recuperación Materiales Diversos), one of the main managers and reusers of this waste. After maintaining a close business relationship for years, RMD acquired Tiresoul in 2023. Both companies share the same goal: to give a second life to recycled rubber through cutting-edge design. RMD had previously done so through its social arm Neusus Urban, focused on the architectural design area, with the development of sustainable urban furniture. Now, with Tiresoul in its ranks, «we open up horizons for sustainable footwear fashion design,» points out Iván Izquierdo López.
Tire rubber was used for years as a component in shoe sole manufacturing but was set aside. Tiresoul reintroduces this material to the market with new designs and variations in tread patterns to maximize its material value. Rubber offers remarkable resistance to adverse weather conditions and wear and, when reused, has a sustainable contribution.
Having established itself in the national market, Tiresoul now has its sights set on the international arena, as «being the only manufacturer worldwide of this product puts us in a privileged position for export,» says the director of Tiresoul. One of the markets where it has gained a presence is the United States. Recently, it has established commercial ties with new clients there, as this is a «market with great potential for this type of products.»
Now, Tiresoul aims to participate in the Milan Shoe Fair, «where we seek not only to expand our presence but also to promote the importance of sustainable practices in fashion,» explains Iván Izquierdo López. Thus, its intention is to consolidate a significant presence in the international market «promoting the visibility of our product and exploring new opportunities in the fashion industry.»
At the same time, it is studying new applications for tread patterns and their derivatives, such as textile bands. It wants to exploit this resource through its technology and thus enter different sectors because, according to the director of Tiresoul, «the opportunities are vast and the possibilities endless.»
